Operation Co-operation - a mixed case celebrating co-operative wineries - a six bottle box set

At these turbulent times politically this case celebrates co-operative wineries, which range in scale from just a few vineyard owners to hundreds who come together to share resources and expertise. 

White wines

Cantina Toblino, Müller Thurgau, Trentino, Italy - From up in the mountains of Northern Italy, an aromatic dry white that's great with fresh water fish. Cantine Toblino is a cooperative winery in the Sarca Valley, west of the city of Trento, and high in the Dolomite mountains. The wine is attractively floral with lovely balance and freshness.

La Guardiense, Calvese, Falanghina del Sannio, Campania, Italy - Created over 60 years ago by 33 far sighted farmers this co-op now has over 1000 members most of whom only have tiny plots of vineyard. We love Falanghina grape for its subtle hints of orange flower water, crystallised peel and minerality.

Mont Rocher, Viognier, Pays d’Oc, France - From Terres Fidèles, a cooperative winery in the Languedoc in the south of France where they make wines with a true sense of place. These grapes are grown on black shist with patches of limestone on terraces above Vallèe d’Aglyold from old vines. By avoiding oak ageing the wine retains the zippy vibrancy of these grapes with a balanced acidity and freshness, expect natural apricot, peach and honeysuckle aromas. Fabulous with fish and light chicken dishes.

Red wines

Les Vignerons d’Estezargues, Les Oliviers, Southern Rhône, France - When other co-ops were chasing volume and low cost, Estezargues went for quality and converted to organic viticulture. A brilliant Côtes du Rhône that offers great value, generous ripe fruit and a delicate touch of spice and white pepper.

Kellerei Meran, Blauburgunder, Südtirol, Italy - This is from a co-op winery dating back to 1901 near the lovely town Meran (aka Merano) in the Dolomite mountains of North East Italy. These grapes are grown in vineyards which have been compared to small terraced gardens and enclosed by cypresses and cedars. Stefan Kapfinger is making red wines perfectly balanced with fruit and tannins.

Soc. Coop. Valli Unite, Ottavio Rube Rosso, Piedmont, Italy - Created thirty years ago as a mixed farm and a reaction against the industrialisation of agriculture in Italy when three young men agreed to work their land together, Valli Unite now has cereal crops, animals, grows vegetables for sale and for their restaurant as well as vineyards. Alessandro is the winemaker and this is made from Barbera with a little Dolcetto and Croatina. Dark berry fruits, ripe cherry and touches of smoke. Beautiful with some salami or a pizza.